In a heartwarming tale of friendship and shared ambition, six young men from Manipur, who have been together since Class 6 at Sainik School in Imphal, have achieved a remarkable feat: commissioning as officers in the Indian Army. Their journey, which began in 2013, culminated on a recent Saturday morning at the Indian Military Academy's Khetrapal Auditorium, where they stood shoulder to shoulder, ready to serve their nation.
Lieutenants Thokchom Shiggarth, M Denish Singh, Naoton Maetei, Naoba, Meghnat Soibam, and Ronendro Angom cleared the NDA entrance exam in 2021 and underwent rigorous training at both the National Defence Academy (NDA) and the Indian Military Academy (IMA). Their dedication and perseverance paid off as they were commissioned into the Army, marking the beginning of their careers as officers.
What makes their story even more inspiring is that each of them is the first in their family to join the armed forces. Coming from humble backgrounds, with fathers who are farmers, grocers, and small business owners, they defied expectations and set an example for others in their community.
Their bond was forged in the crucible of shared experiences. From morning drills and hostel dorms to schoolyard rivalries, they navigated adolescence and academic challenges together. This camaraderie proved invaluable as they prepared for and cleared the NDA exam in 2021.
Lt. Angom reflected on their journey, recalling how they learned about life together, not just sports or academics. Now, they are embarking on separate paths, joining different regiments and being posted to various parts of the country.
Despite the challenges and turbulence that Manipur has faced, these young officers remain focused on their careers and contributing to society. Lt. M Denish emphasized the importance of learning from both good and bad times and using those lessons to build a better future for their state.
Among those witnessing the commissioning ceremony was A Ingocha, a farmer and father of Lt. Naoton. He watched with pride as his son stood tall in his uniform alongside his childhood friends, a testament to their shared dreams and unwavering commitment. Their journey serves as an inspiration to countless others, demonstrating that with hard work, determination, and the support of lifelong friends, anything is possible.
